Engaged? Hit up a bridal expo

With the plethora of engagement ring photographs filling social media following Christmas and New Year’s, wedding-related vendors are heading into a busy season.

And bridal shows are once again popping up to provide newly engaged couples with an opportunity to browse and engage in some one-stop shopping.

On Feb. 9, Your Wedding Marketplace will be presented by Monica Lattimer Events at the Naugatuck Event Center.

Monica Lattimer of Monica Lattimer Events, said the idea for this first time event arose “when I walked into the venue during the planning for a different event.”

“I knew that I had to plan a wedding expo in the 80,000 square foot space,” said Lattimer.

“I know this will be a hit because there aren’t many larger wedding expos in this area of Connecticut,” said Lattimer.

Your Wedding Marketplace is being labeled as a “red carpet experience.” “Everyone should feel special,” said Lattimer. “We know that the red carpet will make brides — and grooms-to-be — feel this way, which is perfect when planning your wedding day.”

“It is the details and unique touches that make people enjoy an experience,” said Lattimer. “We believe that starting with a valet/shuttle service and being escorted to the entrance, where they can walk the red carpet, will make our girls and guys feel extra special.

“We will even have a photo opportunity at the end,” said Lattimer.

When guests attend the expo, which is intended to become an annual event, Lattimer said they will find a wide range of wedding vendors. Some are local, and some are national.

Fashion-wise, said Lattimer, the Powerstation and Kiss 95.7-sponsored event will welcome Men’s Wearhouse and David’s Bridal. Both retailers will provide a fashion show.

“This wedding show will be helpful for brides- and grooms-to-be because it has a small collection of well-known companies,” said Lattimer. “Attendees can find many different ideas as well as book vendors that day utilizing special promotions for this event.”

“Brides and grooms should come prepared with dates to meet with these companies,” said Lattimer.

Admission is free if you register ahead of time at monicalattimer.com/bride%2Fgroom-info. Admission is $5 at the door.